Pachter paints grim future for Wii U if popularity doesn't improve

Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter is a man of strong opinions. In a note to investors, Pachter stressed the importance of next week's E3 and the second half of 2013 for Nintendo's struggling Wii U.

Pachter stated, "We believe the Wii U release slate on display will be a key determinant of the console's long-term staying power. With the more powerful PS4 and Xbox One launching later this year, Nintendo risks losing additional share to its console competitors if the quality and volume of content available for the Wii U does not pick up markedly in the near-term."

Obviously, Nintendo will have to show a lot of big titles to impress consumers. Pachter believes the Wii U's popularity will have to improve dramatically by the end of the year or risk having all third-party publishers abandon the console. Of course, EA has already said that they have no games in development for the Wii U.

Pachter continued, "EA recently announced that it had no Wii U games in development, and it remains a possibility that the publisher will abandon the platform entirely. Should other third parties follow EA's lead, the Wii U could be relegated to a first-party only platform."

He also added that Nintendo might look to inject some life into the Wii U's sales by have a $50 price drop or a bundle that comes with popular software. But until actual gamers worth buying are released, I don't see a bundle being the way to go. A price drop, however, is more than welcome.

You can follow Senior Editor Lance Liebl on Twitter @Lance_GZ. He likes talking sports, video games, movies, and the stupidity of celebrities. Email at LLiebl@GameZone.com